After graduating from the University of Leicester in 2013 with a 2:1 degree in psychology, Laura decided to take a gap year, during which time she worked as a rep.

She spent a season working at a Greek restaurant and bar, then another as a ski rep in Austria, and then returned to Greece to work as a restaurant supervisor.

"Teaching was something I always thought I'd enjoy and be good at," said Laura, whose parents are Nick Corder, a surveyor, and Sian Hancox, who works for Nottingham Trent University.

She says having come from a holiday rep background meant she had good organisational skills - vital for helping her to manage her teaching workload.

Laura teaches Years 3 and 4, which is eight and nine-year-olds and says the job is really rewarding.

She said: "I think the relationship you build with the children, having your own class, means when you teach, you feel really invested in them. You just want to see them progress and feel happy and gain their own confidence."

Laura added that the school takes in pupils from the St Ann's area, a disadvantaged area, and having come from a fairly advantaged background herself, it felt good to be able to help the youngsters reach their potential.

She added that it was also challenging, but fulfilling to work with children with special educational needs, and those who use English as a second language.

She first became aware of the Teach First programme while at university.

Laura, who attended Haydn Road Primary School, thought the scheme would be ideal for her, as it did not involve having to go back to university - she could take part in intensive training and then go straight into teaching at a school, initially co-teaching with the assistant headteacher.

She said although "nothing prepares you for the workload and the pace of the job", this was far outweighed by the rewards.

"I feel like a completely different person to when I started in September," said Laura.

"I've learned to change and adapt and make decisions and problem solve at a rate I never thought was even possible.

"I love being able to provide opportunities for the children to shine."

Last year, 26 percent of Teach First's teachers were career-changers – a record high.

The charity says career changers can come in for a number of reasons – they might be looking for a completely new challenge, seeking a role with more fulfilment, or might want to give something back to society.

Career-changers can bring in valuable skills and experiences from previous roles.

Ongoing support is available, and after a year, recruits can gain their (PGCE) Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Jamie Stuart, Teach First director of recruitment, said: "Changing career doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch either. Key skills like time management, communication and creativity are just as important in the classroom as in the office."

Teach First is running a Leadership Development Programme, called Challenge The Impossible, in conjunction with the Post.